Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I agree with previous speakers about the appalling treatment of a 16 year old student who happened to be pregnant. It goes against any common decency and it certainly proves that our society is, in ways, significantly unequal. It has nothing to do with ethos because what happened was an appalling abuse of ethos. Ethos is certainly not reflected in the actions of that school. If we ever needed an example of the importance of having a children's referendum, this is a clear and unequivocal one.

I would like to commend the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, on his swift action. If legislation is necessary to ensure such an appalling exercise does not happen again, this House will facilitate the fast tracking of such legislation. I suggest the Leader makes the Minister aware of how appalled Seanad Éireann is at the treatment of this young lady. We will certainly do everything we can to facilitate bringing legislation through the House very quickly.

In regard to the fiscal compact treaty, it has been said that it is designed to ensure stability prevails. We are a small island nation very much dependent on exports and our relationship with other countries.